Photoreactivating enzyme activity in the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · J. Parasitol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3280558· OSTI ID:5475681

Woodhead, A D ^[1]; Achey, P M

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1. Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY

There has been considerable speculation about the occurrence of photoreactivating enzyme in different organisms and about its biologic purpose. We have developed a simple, sensitive assay for estimating pyrimidine dimers in DNA which is useful in making a rapid survey for the presence of the enzyme. Using this method, we have found photoreactivating enzyme activity in the tissues of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta. This parasite spends the majority of its life span in the bodies of its definitive or intermediate hosts, but a period is spent externally. We suggest that photoreactivating enzyme may be important in perserving the integrity of embryonic DNA during this free-living stage.

• OSTI ID: 5475681
• Journal Information: J. Parasitol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Parasitol.; (United States) Vol. 67:3; ISSN JOPAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560114* -- Radiation Effects on Biochemicals-- In Animals-- (-1987)
560153 -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Invertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RECOVERY
BIOLOGICAL REPAIR
CESTODES
DIMERS
DNA
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTROPHORESIS
ENZYME ACTIVITY
EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
HELMINTHS
MAMMALS
NUCLEIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHOTOREACTIVATION
PLATYHELMINTHS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
RADIOINDUCTION
RATS
RECOVERY
REPAIR
RODENTS
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
VERTEBRATES